A Taste of Paradise at #KFresh14

Life is better on the shore of the sea. Thank you @MauiShelley for all your gracious hospitality and inviting me back for a second time to #KFresh14.

And life doesn’t get much better than this: Maui breezes, exquisite dining under the stars, live music, and great friends. I had the chance to go back for round two of Kaanapali Fresh with Joyce Cherrier this past September, and this time Misty and MartyMcPadden joined us. It is such a wonderful treat to work with my old friends in social media—and in paradise to boot.

Whether you’re a smart phone snapper or a professional photographer, it’s impossible to take a bad photo in @KaanapaliMaui. Which is a good thing because none of us were able to put our cameras down during the whole experience.

There is so much to do in Maui besides just lay on the beach. Take my advice and brave the long drive to Hana. Just experiencing the tropical beauty of Mother Nature is worth it! The drive takes you along the Maui coastline, serenaded by the ocean waves crashing next to us. And when you get there? It is truly unreal to see the Oheo Pools.

Watch this video to follow us on our journey as we dined on food supplied by the Ka’anapali Kitchen Stadium and our eyes and taste buds were treated to a divine spread of local delights. The sun set as the courses began to arrive, and the chefs from the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival worked their magic Under a Maui Moon. These master chefs worked in a well-orchestrated line, producing course after course as if by magic. The chefs’ six-course menu features all Maui-grown foods and produce, ensuring the support of Hawaiians committed to sustainability and culture. #HFWF14#KFresh14

We used more of that fresh produce when we learned how to create the perfect tropical cocktail at the Mixology 101 class. Apparently my team had some history in making good cocktails, because we won the competition! Thank you @SheratonMaui for such a wonderful time. #KFresh14

As vacation ends like the sun over the Pacific after a day in paradise, we say so long to Maui. We’ll be dreaming of you until we meet again.